Former Eyesore to Reopen as Center for Homeless

A onetime Hollywood eyesore has been transformed into a 54-unit housing development for homeless adults with mental disabilities. The renovated building will be opened today at a 1 p.m. ceremony.

The Gower Street Apartments, which for years had been in disrepair and vacant, now sports a festive decor of gold, turquoise and pink. Residents of the complex at 1140 N. Gower St. will be able to acquire mental health care, crisis intervention and vocational services.

Much of the renovation of the building was accomplished by A Community of Friends, a nonprofit real estate development company that builds housing to address social needs.

“A Community of Friends took a blighted building and turned it into clean, safe, affordable housing complete with a support system for people with chronic disabilities including mental illness,” said Councilwoman Jackie Goldberg, whose 13th Council district includes the apartments.